Some Quick Tips from Wikihow — how to ACE a test. Also visit our main Test Preparation page for tips and advice on preparing for a test.
1. Study before the test. Don’t put it off until the last minute. If you hold off until the night before or, even worse, that morning, you’re less likely to retain all of the material because of stress.
2. Prepare for pop quizzes. Read the material (even though you may not want to) for 15 minutes every night – just in case.
3. Take notes on the material. Focus on concepts, definitions, and formulas that you think will be on the test.
4. Ask your teacher for help. Do this both before and during the exam. Ask before the exam what you should focus on while studying. Perhaps he or she will give you a study packet. Or, during the exam if you don’t understand a question in the test, ask your teacher to clarify.
5. Take deep breaths while you’re taking the test. Stay calm and pace yourself. When you’re relaxed, you can remember things more easily.
6. Change the test order if needed. You don’t have to do the test in the order it is written. Work easy problems first to build your confidence and calm yourself down. When coming back to the tough questions, you will know you have at least made a decent grade, and you know how long you have left.
7. Have your test-taking materials ready. You’re already nervous, so the last thing you want to do is panic if you can’t find your pencil or pen.
8. Read the questions carefully. Read the questions at least twice, in case you missed something before. Don’t rush. If possible, read the entire exam through before beginning to work. This will give you an idea of what is in store and will help you to manage your time better. It also prevents any nasty surprises with only a few minutes left.
9. Look over your answers thoroughly when you’re done. Make sure you didn’t make any mistakes. You might remember something more to add to the question as well.
